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Everything A Fly Fisherman Should Know About Moving to Denver, CO

02/17/2021
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When it comes to outdoor experiences, Coloradoans are very lucky people. Living in one of America’s most geographically captivating states, they have access to lush forests, vibrant flora, snowcapped mountains, vast prairies, serene lakes, and wide rivers bubbling with fishes. The place is undoubtedly a paradise on earth — an epitome of natural beauty. 

And if you’re an angler who’s moving to Denver CO, congratulations! You’ve just made the best decision of your life. To make the most out of the experience, here’s everything you need to know about fly fishing in the Centennial State.

Obtaining a Fishing License

For most places, you’ll need a license before you can start fishing. Colorado is no exception. The 41 state parks, all forms of wildlife, and preserved areas in the state are under the protection of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) agency. Naturally, you’ll have to obtain permission to fish in these areas. 

An annual license costs $34.75 for residents and $96.75 for non-residents. If you know a friend who’s planning their vacation, tell them to grab a 5-day permit for only $31.75. The CPW doesn’t profit from fishing licenses. The money mostly goes to funding ecological research, conservation, maintenance of hatcheries, and supporting environmental protection programs. 

What Can You Do With a Fishing License?

Fishing, obviously! Additionally, you should treasure your license since it gives you access to:

  • At least 6,000 miles of crystal clear rivers and meandering streams.
  • Over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs 
  • More than 35 species of fish typically trout, chubs, catfish, salmon, dace.

Gearing Up

Colorado tends to undergo extreme weather changes, so you better come prepared. However, you can skip this step if you’re already a pro angler. As for amateurs and enthusiasts out there, here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • Fishing equipment, preferably a 9-foot rod and 5-weight line (Colorado standard)
  • Fly bait
  • A communication device in case of emergencies
  • Flashlights for outing and stern lights if you’re using a boat 
  • Wear solid base clothing followed by quality chest waders, wading boots, and a wading staff.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.
  • Cooler if you plan to take home some fish.

Fishing during winter poses new challenges and requires a different set of gear. You’ll also need to learn specific techniques that’ll help you catch some decent game.

When you gear up to go fly fishing, it’s best to be prepared for any weather due to the extreme changes.

Fly Baits

Although you can choose from thousands of artificial flies to use as bait, they usually fall into three categories. Knowing this helps you choose the best one for any situation. 5280.com, a Colorado magazine, shares some basic characteristics of these baits

  • Nymphs: Also known as ‘wet flies.’ They mimic insects that temporarily hatch underwater. Great for catching fish that thrive deep in lakes. However, you should be careful about the hook getting caught with surface debris.
  • Dry Flies: Opposite to nymphs, this bait copy the features of mature insects like grasshoppers and mayflies. Dry flies are highly effective in shallow waters or fast-running streams and rivers.
  • Streamers: Large bait that imitates subsurface lures such as leeches. Requires skill and experience to use since it’s heavier to cast, and you’ll have to copy the bait’s natural motions to lure the fish.

Best Spots to Fly Fish

Writing this is quite challenging. Why? Because Colorado is filled with thousands of lakes and rivers, with each one featuring a unique ecosystem of its own. Since it’s impossible to mention them all, here are some of the most popular fishing spots you should explore:

  • Frying Pan River: A tributary of Roaring Fork River, it runs for only 42 miles from west to east, where it meets the Ruedi Reservoir. Casting your line here, you’ll catch plenty of trout and might even be able to hook a record-breaking one.
  • Blue Mesa Reservoir: Covering 14 square miles, Blue Mesa is the largest lake in all of Colorado. In addition to water sports, it is famous for being home to sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, mackinaw, and brown trout.
  • Colorado River: Of course, who can forget the famous river that weaves around canyons providing water and energy to over 40 million people? Fish on its banks and you’re guaranteed to reel in largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappies, bluegills, and rainbow trout.
  • North Delaney Butte Lake: Best known for brown and rainbow trout, this lake also houses cutthroats and other prized trophies. Enjoy its calming waters and the breathtaking views of surrounding mountains as you wait for your line to grab a catch.
  • Rio Grande: This river features a variety of cutthroats in higher regions while increasing with brown trouts as you go lower down its drainage. Make sure to bring a 6 weight fly rod on windy days. 

Top Fishing Guides

Face it. Fly fishing isn’t for everyone. However, veteran anglers are more than happy to share their knowledge and skills with the new generation of hobbyists. That said, here are some of the best fishing trips to venture or recommend to your friends:

  • Colorado Trout Hunters: Whether it’s a high mountain lake or a dashing stream, these guides have you covered. Learn different fly fishing techniques, feast your eyes on the views, and of course, bring home a bucketful of fish.
  • Blue Quill Angler: If anyone knows the Colorado fishing map by heart, it’s these guys. They offer cheap and educational trips through most of the region’s largest lakes, abundant reservoirs, and broadest rivers. 
  • 5280 Angler: The fishing trip you experience with these professionals is one you’ll never forget. They’ll take you to premier fishing destinations in Colorado, teach you secret angling methods, and of course, guide you on how to catch your first live trout!

Colorado is such a captivating city filled with natural beauty.

Conclusion

It’s hard to find someone who won’t fall in love with Colorado’s natural beauty. In addition to fishing, there are plenty of other activities for you to enjoy, such as skiing, hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, and many more. Make sure to hire a reliable moving company that’ll take good care of your equipment when relocating to Denver. Best of luck!

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Everything a Fisherman Should Know About Moving to Seattle, WA

02/10/2021
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There are plenty of reasons why you should consider moving to Seattle, Washington. Whether it’s the highly respected academic institutions, robust job market, stunning nature spots, or fantastic fishing spots, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of attractions in the so-called “Emerald City.”

If you’re a fisherman, you’ll cherish living in this gem of a city located in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle has so many fishing opportunities within its borders that it’ll probably take a lifetime for you to sample them all. Before moving to Seattle, you should read this simple guide to the glorious fishing scene in Seattle, Washington. Enjoy!

If you’re a fisherman, you’ll cherish living in this gem of a city located in the Pacific Northwest.

The City’s Fishing Calendar

Seattle is a fisherman’s Shangri-La. This is because there is always something to catch, no matter the day, hour or season. The key, though, is finding out where you can fish, knowing what you can reel in and most importantly, being aware of the fishing rules and regulations. Here’s a brief look into what type of fish you can catch during the different seasons.

Spring

Spring is a season that brings fishermen back to the water for the first time of the year. Seattle has a spring Lingcod season, Halibut season as well as a Spot Shrimp season. Lakes around Seattle will also be open to fishing, and it is around this time when lakes are filled with Rainbow Trout. The waters also become warm enough to attract other species like the Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and the Panfish.

Summer

The summer is when fishing gets rolling in Seattle! This is when the variety of fishing options open up, giving you the chance to head out to your preferred haunts. Puget Sound opens up for Salmon fishing, and you also get to put in crab pots for some Dungeness Crab. Rivers around the Seattle area also become fishable during the summer season.

Fall

The cold weather and the rainy season brings forth new fishing opportunities in autumn. This is the time when Puget Sound’s most popular salmon fishery — Coho Salmon — gives you one last shot at catching saltwater salmon. Fishing for these is usually great until rainstorms push the salmon to return to spawn. A popular fishing activity during the fall is river fishing as the salmon migrate out of Puget Sound and head over to the rivers of their birth.

Winter

Wintertime is when most people put away all their fishing gear. However, if you want to brave the cold, fishing in the river for some Winter Steelhead can be a fun activity. Some lakes stay open during the winter and allow fishing for trout. Also, the winter is when anglers usually spend evenings on public piers jigging up squid.

Now, that you’re up to speed with what the fishing scene is like during the different seasons in Seattle, here’s some info on the different places that you can fish.

Urban Lakes

The city of Seattle has plenty of lakes that can offer fantastic areas to fish. Out of all these, the most famous is Lake Washington, which is 22 miles long and comprises the eastern border of the city. The notable access points are at Magnuson Park, Matthews Beach Park, Madison Park, Madrona Park, Lake Washington T Dock, Seward Park, and Rainier Beach, but other small parks can give you a nice place to cast. There are also boat ramps at Magnuson Park and Rainier Beach that give boaters a place to launch. Lake Washington has an abundance of  Perch, Panfish, Smallmouth, and Largemouth Bass.

Bridge across Lake Washington.

Rivers

If you’re up for some river fishing, Seattle has plenty of viable options that are just an hour away. Seattle’s rivers seasonally offer Chinook, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon fishing as well as Steelhead and Trout fishing.

Saltwater

Puget Sound gives Seattle a world-class status as a premier fishing destination. And while salmon fishing is the crowd-drawer, other fishing opportunities attract its fair share of fishermen. The Lingcod fishing season in spring is quite popular. You can also head north to catch some Halibut in May. The spring is always a good time for shrimpers while the summer lets crabbers get a good haul from their pots. And if you thought the winter put a stop to all the fishing activities, head over to city’s piers and see anglers catching squid. Seattle is a fisherman’s paradise, with fishing available all year round.

Skyline over Puget Sound.

What Do I Need To Go Fishing in Seattle?

With so many exceptional and diverse fishing options to try in Seattle, you may get confused trying to figure out which fishing equipment you should have. Take it easy and pay a visit to one of the many popular tackle shops in the city. Staff members will be more than happy to assist you in picking the perfect rod setup and tackle.

The most important thing that you should secure before you start fishing is a fishing license. The website of the Washington State Department of Fish is a great place to start and you can also buy one online. Some species also need a special Catch Record Card, including Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut, Dungeness Crab. If you purchase a license online, you will need to wait about two weeks for WDFW to mail you your card.

You should visit The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations Page to get a solid grasp of how fisheries are managed, fishing seasons for Seattle fishing areas, daily limits, gear restrictions, and so much more. Fishing regulations are published every year and are valid July 1 to June 30 the following year.

You should visit The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations Page.

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Everything A Fisherman Should Know About Moving to Texas

02/07/2021
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They say everything is bigger in Texas. That’s right. You’ll need a bigger bag to store bigger catches from bigger fishing spots. See, the Lone Star State isn’t only home to cowboys and ranchers. It’s also an angler’s paradise. From small ponds to big lakes to rivers and ultimately the ocean, you can easily catch usual game like carps and trouts. On a lucky day, you might even get your hands on a record-breaking bass, redline, black drum, and other prized trophies. 

But like any other place, rules exist to protect wildlife. So before heading out with your trusty rod and line, make sure you understand these regulations. As a fisherman, here’s everything you need to know about moving to Texas.

General Texas Fishing Regulations

Every form of wildlife and natural habitat in the state is protected by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). Founded in 1963, it aims to provide people with recreational hunting opportunities without compromising available resources for generations to come. That said, below are some important rules to remember.

You Can’t Fish Without a License

Or any other manner of capturing aquatic life forms, including shells, mussels, crayfish, and clams. Anglers can purchase a license for as low as $12 for seniors and at least $65 max for non-residents. Keep in mind that you’ll need a saltwater endorsement to fish in coastal areas, while a freshwater endorsement is required for inland fishing spots. 

However, a license isn’t needed if you’re:

  • Under 17.
  • Born before January 1, 1931
  • Engaging in fishing as a means of therapy for an intellectual disability (needs a doctor’s note).
  • A Louisiana resident who’s 65 years or older.
  • An Oklahoma resident who’s 65 years or older.

You’ll need a license to fish in the state of TX.

What To Do With Captured Fish?

Although there’s a myriad of game species to capture, one thing is certain: you can only catch a fish using a pole and line. Once you’ve captured one, you have two options: release it back into the water or take it home for consumption. If you plan to cook your catch for dinner, make sure you don’t exceed length and bag size limits. Moreover, it is illegal to leave an edible fish on the ground to die. Check this out for a complete list of available fish species.

Tagging Rules

Recapturing a tagged fish is crucial in gathering info about the underwater ecosystem in the area. But keep in mind that you can only tag a fish that TPWD allows. At the same time, you must properly place the tag so it won’t damage the fish. You shouldn’t also use an electronic device to track, locate, and monitor the animal’s activity.

Common Unlawful Activities to Avoid

Any act of killing, taking, or disturbing sea turtles is punishable by the law. In the same manner, it’s also illegal to capture and consume endangered or threatened fish species. 

  • Remember to return a game fish only to the waters where you’ve caught it. For example, you shouldn’t release a catfish you caught near Houston to Galveston Island’s shores.
  • Hopping on a boat, prepping baits, and casting your line is okay. Utilizing fishnets to herd the fishes is not okay.
  • It is unlawful to use a game fish as bait. Pretty obvious. Imagine being a sought-after species only to be utilized as a lure for other fishes. Not cool.

Penalties for Violating Fish Laws

Punishment depends on the gravity of the offense. According to TPWD, if you break any wildlife regulation, you can:

  • be fined for misdemeanors
    • Class C – $25-$500
    • Class B – $200-$2,000 and/or 6 months in jail
    • Class A – $500-$4,000 and/or 1 year in jail;
  • be fined for state jail felonies ($1,500-$10,000 and/or up to 2 years in jail);
  • face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years; and
  • forfeit your hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.

Knowing this, always remember to be a responsible angler whether you’re fishing in vast public waters or an unknown pond somewhere in the mountains.

Best Places to Fish in Texas

Now that you’ve made it through the formal side of things, it’s time to jump into action. While Texas is riddled with numerous bodies of water, select areas yield more bounty than others. On top of that, some species can only be reeled in from specific spots. If you want to jump into a great fishing experience right after your move, here are some popular angling locations to check out!

Lakes and Reservoirs

  • Lake Conroe: Found in the West Fork of Montgomery County, this 21,000-acre lake is home to dozens of species, particularly largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
  • Choke Canyon Reservoir: Only an hour’s drive away from San Antonio, enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you reel in a bucketful of white basses, crappies, and alligator gars.
  • Lake O’ the Pines: Escape the chaos of city life as you venture the placid waters of this Big Cypress Bayou reservoir. After a day in the lake, you can expect to bring home a chiller filled with spotted basses, crappies, blues, and chain pickerels.
  • Lake Fork: Want to break your largemouth bass record? Pack your stuff and head to this 27,000-acre reservoir in Hopkins County! A little fun fact: 60% of the largest documented basses in Texas were caught in this very lake.
  • Granger Lake: Located just a little northeast of Austin, this lake is your go-to if you’re hunting down crappies. Make sure to visit during spring since it’s when these wiggly creatures are most active.

Lake O’ the Pines. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Coastal Areas

  • Galveston: If you’re moving to Houston TX, don’t forget to visit the nearby city of Galveston. While fishing on its shores, prepare for a tug-of-war against Spanish mackerels and cobias. You might even get to capture a shark if you participate in a deep-sea fishing trip!
  • Freeport: In contrast to a big city like Galveston, Freeport offers an intimate, small-town fishing experience. This means less competition and more time to collect your thoughts while waiting for the line to hook a flounder, red drum, or sheepshead.
  • South Padre Island: Sitting on the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is a hidden gem for anglers. The trip might be long, but the gorgeous beaches, affordable hotels, and exceptional seafood restaurants make it worthwhile. Not to mention the variety of fishes you’ll bag, including flounders, tarpons, red snappers, and speckled trouts.

South Padre Island is home to not just fishing. You will never get bored! Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Rivers

  • Guadalupe River: Running from Kerr County out to the Gulf of Mexico, the Guadalupe River is one of the best spots to go fly fishing. Even if you’re an amateur, a trip to its sparkling waters will guarantee a win, thanks to the abundance of trouts and basses.
  • Frio River: Become one with nature in Frio River’s refreshing waters as it winds around Texas Hill County. Unlike other areas, you need not go to the nearest town and book an inn. You can stay in one of the nearby cabins dotting its banks. Its waters are known to house ample numbers of largemouth basses.

Even for beginners, Guadalupe River can be the place to learn.

New To Fishing? Let the Experts Guide You!

While it’s true that experience is the best teacher, working with a seasoned angler will significantly boost your progress. Here are several fishing trips and guides worth checking out!

  • Texas Hawgs Bass Fishing Guide Service: Have a blast with tournament bass angler Bryan Cotter as he teaches you how to conquer big spots like Lake Austin, Lake LBJ, Lake Falcon, and Choke Canyon.
  • San Antonio Fishing Guides: With 40 years of charter experience, Capt. Steve Nixon will spearhead the trip throughout the lakes surrounding Alamo City. It’s going to be a one-of-a-kind learning slash adventure experience! Don’t be shy to ask questions!
  • North Texas Catfish Guide Service: You won’t be the same catfish angler again after experiencing a trip with these guys. Learn how to effectively reel in various kinds of catfishes like blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and trophy level catfish!

Fishing may be a hassle but when you come home with prizes, let’s just hear those new thoughts!

Wrapping Up

Reading alone won’t be enough to justify the overabundance of natural resources and wildlife in Texas. With a ton of fish waiting to get caught, go out there and enjoy the experience! Moving might be a hassle, but it’ll definitely pay off before you know it.

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The Top 4 Meal Delivery Subscriptions Focused on Sustainable Seafood

06/15/2017
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One question that tends to cause unneeded anxiety and stress most households is “What’s for dinner?”. While some people simply don’t have the time to plan out meals for every evening, others are not great cooks and would rather have the hard part done for them. So, how can you make mealtime less stressful? Luckily, several companies are entering the meal delivery business, even including those who deliver sustainable seafood.

According to National Geographic, sustainable seafood allows us to have a healthy relationship with our oceans. When we eat seafood, we leave a permanent mark on the ecosystem, which is critical for the health of the planet.
Choosing sustainable seafood helps replenish the oceans and manage our ocean life resources far into the future. As fishermen, this is a subject that is close to our hearts. Informed consumers, such as those who have a meal delivery subscription with a company who provides sustainable seafood, can make a huge difference by making this responsible choice.

Here are the top four meal delivery subscriptions that are focused on sustainable seafood.

Green Chef

Almost all Green Chef ingredients are certified organic, and this service ensures that its suppliers maintain both ethical and sustainable practices. Some of the sustainable seafood that they use in their meals include salmon, shrimp, and cod. All of the meals offered lean toward healthy eating, with menus geared towards gluten-free, paleo, and vegan diets. One recent meal on Green Chef’s menu was the Citrus Glazed Salmon Bowl that comes with tamari rice, roasted broccoli, almonds, and orange. Get a discount here on your first order of this paleo meal delivery.

sustainable-mussels

Sun Basket

Sun Basket delivers fresh, organic, non-GMO produce harvested at the peak of freshness. They believe in the health benefits of eating foods that are in-season. According to Gaiam, some of these advantages include less expense, better taste, and more nutrients. The meat offered by Sun Basket is humanely raised and free of antibiotics and hormones. Additionally, Sun Basket’s seafood is not only sustainable, but it is also approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Watch List. All of their recipes are nutritionist-approved and full of flavor. One of the most popular meals is the Cuban shrimp mojo tostadas with red cabbage slaw.

Surfin’ Seafood

Instead of buying pre-packaged meals, you could just order the protein and fix the sides yourself. Check out Surfin’ Seafood, which delivers freshly frozen sustainable seafood right to your door. Their mission is to spread the word that seafood sustainability is an increasingly important goal. Because they are committed to conservation, they only offer responsibly harvested species of seafood. In this way, we preserve the health of the species and of the marine environment in which they live. Surfin’ Seafood offers several products, including halibut, cod, sole, crab, prawns, shrimp, Mahi Mahi, trout, catfish, tuna, Tilapia, and salmon.

fish-and-lobster

Paleta

Paleta is committed using sustainable products, including produce, meats, and seafood. Its mission is to create enjoyable meals while also preserving the earth’s resources for future generations. They only source the best local, natural, and organic ingredients and sustainably farmed seafood. Paleta creates their menus to have seasonal offerings to use the best ingredients at their peak at all times. One of their sample menu items is a Sustainable Tuna Nicoise Stuffed Tomato, which has enough flavor to get anyone hooked on this service.

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Texas Moving Guide | Top 7 Fishing Destinations in the Lone Star State

04/17/2017
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With over 5,000 square miles of fresh, inland water, Texas is one of the top states for prime fishing destinations. And with too many hotspots to count, we’ve compiled a list of the top seven fishing locations that are perfect for a relaxing day out on the water. Be sure to also check out our comprehensive guide to fishing in Texas.

1. Choke Canyon Reservoir

The Choke Canyon Reservoir is located on the Frio River and is about an hour south of San Antonio. It boasts several species of fish, including a variety of catfish, largemouth and white bass, crappie, bluegill, Redear sunfish, and alligator gar. There’s also a variety of wildlife to hunt on land as well, including hogs, gators, and turkeys.

2. San Antonio Bay

San Antonio Bay is located between the Matagorda and Aransas Bays and is the premiere spot for spotted sea trout. It’s also home to a variety of sea-based fish including ladyfish, flounder, pinfish, and southern kingfish. You can also find clams, oysters, pelicans, herons, and cranes living here as well.

3. Caddo Lake

If you head northeast of Marshall on Big Cypress Bayou, you’ll find Caddo Lake, a well-known wetland region. The area contains one of the largest cypress forests in the world and is perfect for catching largemouth and white bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and chain pickerel. And because it spans over 26,000-acres, it’s the ideal lake for a long weekend of fishing.

4. Rollover Pass

Rollover Pass attracts plenty of locals and tourists alike and is a manmade strait that connects the Gulf of Mexico to the East Bay on the Bolivar Peninsula. With beautiful blue waters that stretch out towards the horizon, it’s a nice place to fish on a sunny day and is a popular destination for camping as well. Fish species here include speckled sea trout, a variety of catfish, and flounder, along with gators, sea turtles, crabs, sea otters, and shrimp.

5. Lake Fork

Lake Fork was created in 1980 by the Sabine River Authority and is excellent for catching largemouth bass. The reservoir also holds catfish, black and white crappie, sunfish, and bluegill as well, and offers cozy cabin rentals right on the water.

6. Lake Sam Rayburn

The sprawling 115,000-acre Lake Sam Rayburn is one of the best bass lakes in Texas and is fed by several creeks, bayous, and the Angelina River. Here, you have the opportunity to catch largemouth and white bass, all three species of catfish, and crappie. With thriving lake conditions that produce large fish in even larger numbers, it’s the perfect spot for hooking a trophy-sized bass.

7. Lake Texoma

Another great fishing destination for hooking a bass can be found at Lake Texoma. The 89,000-acre lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and has picturesque crags and bluffs that are perfect for camping. There’s also a variety of bass here, including smallmouth, largemouth, spotted, white, and striped.

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7 Trophy Fish to Put on Your Bucket List

04/12/2017
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If you’re serious about fishing, you probably have several kinds of fish on your bucket list that you dream of catching. And for the top trophy fish that stand out from the others, read our picks below! 1. Blue Marlin Coming in at the top of our list, unsurprisingly, is the impressive blue marlin. These […]

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Beginner’s Guide to Cleaning a Fish

03/22/2017
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While catching your first fish can be a thrilling experience, learning how to prepare and cook it afterward can be just as rewarding. And while cleaning a fish is a simple process, it seems to be an under-discussed subject when the topic of fishing comes up. If you intend on cooking your next big catch, […]

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